We now worship in person with masks at all times, and online for those who aren't able to attend. The Friday Email is intended to inform you about this Sunday's activities and other important and timely items.
As we did throughout 2020 and much of 2021 in the Friday Connected, we will continue to communicate updates to COVID-19-related policies as Illinois deals with higher and lower rates of infection.
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The Friday Email
This Weekend at First Christian Church
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My dear church family.
The apostle Paul regularly offered instructions to his readers about how those in the church are to behave and how they are to treat each other. In several cases he did this through a burst of short instructions written in rapid fire succession. One example of this comes in Romans 12 when he writes:
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12:9-13)
This Sunday, we will be looking at one brief phrase in this passage, outdo one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10b). But the rest of the passage has much to say as well. These phrases speak to us as individuals, but they also speak to us as a community.
I encourage you to take a moment to think about what Paul wrote in these five verses. What do they say to you personally? What do they say to us as a church?
God bless,
Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom
In recent weeks, we started having some folks join the Brown Bag Bible Study by way of Zoom. You are still invited to join us in-person. But now you have the choice of joining us by Zoom or in-person. If you would be interested in participating remotely, please send me an email at handerson@blmfcc.org, and I will add you to the list. As a reminder, the Brown Bag Bible Study meets each Wednesday from 12 Noon until 1:00 PM.
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This Sunday
Our sermon series, "The One Anothers," continues this Sunday with "Honor One Another," taking a look at Romans 12:9-11 (NIV). Hank Anderson will preach and the Drexler Singers will sing. Also, it is the Kick-Off for Youth and Children (details at the top of the email). See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Reed Family
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Kathy Dailey
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Info Desk Attendant: Rita Fisher
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Coffee Host: John and Kathy Dailey
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Time for Children: Patty Thompson, next week Camille Taylor
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Worship & Wonder Greeter: Heather Damery
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Building Lock-up: Bill Robitske
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Candle Filler: Marla McElroy
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
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Recycling (volunteers are needed right away! Please contact the office for info or to sign up)
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Calendar Update:
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This Sunday, September 19: Children and Youth Kick-Off for Sunday School and Worship & Wonder. Also, 3rd (and some 4th) graders will receive Bibles. Please contact Holly at hirvin@blmfcc.org whether your 3rd grader can be there or not so we have enough Bibles. If your child has not received a Bible and is in a higher grade, let Holly know.
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Date change! October 20 (not October 19) Blood Drive at Eastland Mall hosted by FCC (but give whenever and where ever you can due to a dire shortage of blood)
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Interested in beginning Food & Fellowship again? See article in September 29 Messenger.
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Worship at FCC or Online: Watch the live streamed 9:00 a.m. service each Sunday morning if you are not in attendance at FCC. Each week, expect wonderful music and a Time for Children, as well as an insightful sermon and communion. Tune in on our Facebook page or on our website homepage.
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People at higher risk for illness are described on the Centers for Disease Control website. Some of our members who are at higher risk may not be ready to spend time outside the home. Think of someone you know and reach out by phone, or by email or mail, to check on their well-being or give an encouraging word. FCC members' addresses and phone numbers are in the Church Directory.
You can access a current church directory below and reach out by phone, text, email, or US mail to a church friend. Link to Church Directory
If you wish to send cards to those having birthdays (the 90+ ones are listed here weekly), find addresses in the FCC Directory (link above). Mary Ellen Gottselig will be 92 on September 24.
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Current First Christian Church COVID-19-Related Guidelines
Important! Please be aware of and follow continuing guidelines, which could change as numbers of infected increase.
Note choir rehearsals are planned to start this month, with a hoped-for return of the choir to worship in early October. There will be three feet between singers, and all will wear masks. Singers will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Rehearsals will be held in the sanctuary on Wednesdays and on Sunday mornings.
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How do I make my offering? |
If you are not attending Sunday worship at FCC and thus not bringing your offering to church, to ensure your offering is received by FCC in a timely manner, feel free to mail it to 401 West Jefferson St., Bloomington, IL 61701. Interested in automatic withdrawal? Email Debbie Stumm at dstumm@blmfcc.org to find out how. We appreciate your continued giving!
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How do I get in touch with a staff member? |
The church office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call ahead if you plan to visit the office, at 309.829.9327.
Or send an email to the staff person you want to contact.
In case of an emergency or if there is a necessity for pastoral care for yourself or someone you know, you may text or call Hank Anderson, Transitional Interim Minister, at 309.863.5126. His email address is handerson@blmfcc.org.
Staff Meetings
It has long been the practice of the staff to have regular meetings on Tuesday morning. As the church office opens more consistently, that practice will also continue. So that the church staff has an opportunity to focus on their discussion and business, the church office will be closed each Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until around 11:00 a.m. for staff meeting. If you need to contact the church office during that time, you may leave a voicemail or send an email. We promise that we will follow up as soon as we can.
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